Southport knife attack hero health update issued after latest surgery
The brave dance teacher who was stabbed multiple times while trying to protect children from a knife attack in Southport is on the “road to recovery” following another life-saving surgery. Leanne Lucas’ condition update was provided by her best friend of two decades, Esther Shahroodi, who has been documenting her journey on social media.
The 35-year-old yoga instructor was stabbed in the back, neck, and arms as she courageously attempted to shield children during her Taylor Swift themed dance party last month. After initially being discharged from the hospital, Leanne was “disheartened and frustrated” when she had to be readmitted due to a lung infection and breathing difficulties.
Following a successful operation to fit a drain in her lung, the teacher is now awaiting “further tests” before another discharge plan can be discussed, according to Esther. She wrote: “After a few days feeling down, Leanne has had a better day in herself today.” For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
“We want to thank everyone for their lovely comments and messages of support and well-wishes. They mean so much. I have had some lovely messages from people who have written Leanne poems and created handmade gifts so thank you.” Esther also disclosed that Leanne has been in contact with other victims of the attack but does not recall anything from the traumatic incident herself.
Three little girls lost their lives, and ten other children were injured in the attack, which shocked the nation and sparked riots across the UK, reports the Mirror. On Friday, the seaside town was filled with people dressed in pastel colours for the funeral of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe. This followed the funerals of six-year-old Bebe King and nine-year-old Alice Da Silva Aguiar, who were also victims of the attack.
A GoFundMe page established for Leanne has already raised over £35,000.